Long distance overhand pass. Start with two hands on the ball and step to the target while releasing the ball with one hand.

P

P

P

P

Wrap Around

Pass made from the side of the body used to pass the ball around a defender, usually to player posting up. Step away from the defender and make a quick one or two hand pass.

D

P

P

P

Pass to a Moving Target

Execute all passes to a receiver that is on the move.

D

P

P

P

Jump Stop Pass

Ability to come to a jump stop from a speed dribble and make a chest or bounce pass to a moving target.

B

D

P

P

Off the Dribble

From an active dribble, players are able to make an accurate pass to a teammate. Pick up the ball with two hands and push the ball toward the target with a wrist snap, like the follow-through when taking a shot.

P

P

Off the Dribble to a Moving Target

Execute the off the dribble pass to a receiver that is moving, usually on the fast break.

P

Shooting Skill Progression

Skill

Description

5th

6th

7th

8th

Drop and Pop with a Hop

Starting close to the basket, Hold ball out straight in front with shooting hand. Drop the ball. Jump up before catching ball again. Rotate ball to shooting position with one hand. Follow thru.

X

X

X

X

Form Shooting

Starting close to the basket, maintain proper shooting mechanics. Use both one and two-hand form shooting.

P

P

P

P

Catch and Shoot

With the non-shooting foot forward, step in with your opposite foot while receiving the pass and flow into the shot maintaining good technique.

P

P

P

P

1-2 Catch and Shoot

The foot of the first step should land as the ball is caught. Bring the other foot into position squaring up to the basket while moving the basketball into shooting position.

P

P

P

P

Bank Shot

Develop the ability to execute a bank shot and where on the court provides the best angle to shoot a bank shot.

P

P

P

P

Layup

Ability to complete a layup from both sides jumping off the inside foot and shooting with the outside hand. This is done off the dribble and receiving a pass where a dribble is not needed.

Every time receiving a pass on the perimeter, players should square up to the basket, in an athletic stance, with their “eyes to the rim” (pass, drive or shot). Then, look for a teammate posting up. If neither option is open, create action by using the pa

P

P

P

P

Get Open Cuts

Ability to execute a V-cut, L-cut and change speeds in order to get open to receive a pass.

P

P

P

P

Give-and-Go

After passing the ball to a teammate, the player sets up her defender by taking 1-2 steps away from the ball and then cuts to the basket.

P

P

P

P

Pump-and-Go

P

P

P

P

Spacing

Players develop an understanding of the importance of proper spacing of 12-15 feet for effective offensive execution. Players do not chase the ball or crowd near the basket.

P

P

P

P

Build a Break

P

P

P

P

Screening

Ability to set a solid screen for a teammate. Player sprints to set the screen, comes to jump stop and on balance and holds the screen until teammate cuts.

P

P

P

Post Up Position

Ability to post up a defender in the low post with a wide stance, bent knees and using the arms to hold off the defender and call for the ball.

P

P

P

Screen and Roll

Players are able to execute an on-the-ball screen where the player with the ball dribbles hard off the screen looking to score and the screener either rolls to the basket or pops back for a jump shot.

P

P

Cut off a Screen

Ability to execute four possible cuts when coming off a screen (curl, fill, fade and backdoor)

P

P

Reading the Defense

Players develop the knowledge of knowing what cut to make when coming off a screen depending on how the defender reacts.

P

Team Defense Skills and Concepts

Skill

Description

5th

6th

7th

8th

Stance

Players consistently play defense in an athletic stance and on balance.

P

P

P

P

Lateral Movement

Side-to-Side movement improves over time thereby improving a player’s ability to guard the ball.

Develop the understanding of what it means to apply ball pressure and improves their ability to guard the ball and not get beat off the dribble.

P

P

P

P

Communication

Players are vocal and talk to their teammates. “Ball”, “Help”, “Screen”, “Dead” and “Shot” are some keywords that players should be able to communicate.

P

P

P

P

Defensive Transition

After a change of possession, players sprint back on defense and match-up to prevent easy baskets.

P

P

P

P

Close Out on the Ball

Players are able to close out on the ball-handler on balance and under control. Sprint 2-3 strides and then stutter-step the remaining distance with hands-up (take away jump shot) and butt down (take away the drive).

D

P

P

P

Help-Side

Develop the knowledge and ability to get in correct help position depending on whether a player is 1 or 2 passes away from the ball.

D

P

P

P

Trap the Ball

Players can execute a 2-person trap of the ball-handler without fouling.

D

P

P

P

Jump to the Ball

When an opponent makes a pass, the defender moves towards the ball in order to get in proper help position and to prevent the passer from cutting in front.

D

D

P

P

Help and Recover

Player is able to get into position to stop dribble penetration and then able to recover back to her player or rotate to an open player.

D

D

P

P

Front the Post

Players are able to move their feet to get in front of the person they are guarding who is trying to post up.

P

Defending On-the-Ball Screens

Players are able to defend an on-the-ball screen by showing and recover, switching or trapping the ball-handler.